Biblically Optimistic and Gospel-Based
"For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled." (Luke 21:22)
"Eschatological speculation will probably always be more appealing than trinitarian expositions. (A novel on the intrigues of Nicea and Chalcedon will not likely topple LaHaye from the bestseller list any time soon.) Notwithstanding, has the naming of the antichrist caused us to miss John's emphasis and hence misapply his material? This has a bearing not only upon a few texts in 1 and 2 John. As with Hilary of Poitier, naming the antichrist naturally leads to other ventures where the text does not lead, such as naming the two witnesses in Revelation 11, or other detailed speculations regarding end-time events that go beyond the text. Also, naming the antichrist can and usually does lead to naming a particular person, which then necessarily sets a date for the return of Christ. Christ cautioned the disciples against such practices. ...I was reminded of the folly of too-particularly trying to identify antichrist today while listening to a message by Chuck Swindoll. Swindoll is the former president of Dallas Theological Seminary, speaker on Insight for Living radio program, and darling of premil dispensationalism."We misread John when we use the word "antichrist" as a launching pad for what amounts to a cottage industry of eschatological speculations. We eclipse a warning to hold fast the Christological (and, hence, trinitarian) traditions. We, as it were, need to stop looking for antichrists in all the wrong places."
I was amazed listening to Swindoll to hear how much detail he could give about the future, personal antichrist (in his opinion) while referring so little to the Bible. He painted his biography, pedigree, personality, etc in great detail. When he did manage to refer to Scripture he was able to take two or three words and spin them into ten minutes of commentary supporting his peculiar views on the end times.
He said something at one point that made it clear how much Swindoll’s system is in error. He spoke of history being "cyclical" and used the biographies of great men in the past (not all tyrants) to paint his elaborate, functional biography of this future, charismatic, personable, intelligent, cunningly-benevolent statesman.
But we know that history is not cyclical. It moves forward with the purpose of the Creator of history. The only two constants are man’s sin and God’s sovereignty. And in the end we will be left with only one of those.
When men base their perspective of human history on the things from their own imaginations, rather than the clear and infallible Word of God, they loose the ability to function as the Christian men and women that God would have them be.
Dispensationalism is dangerous because it promotes this very type of thinking and behavior on the part of its adherents.
"For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled." (Luke 21:22)
bfltr
It stands to reason. Since we now have a candidate for President who would rewrite the US Constitution, certainly someone could become Pope who would follow suit.
I object! Herman Melville’s Qeeqeeg was a fierce but innocent chap. One of literature’s great sidekicks. An adventurous young prince who risked everything to get off his island and see the world. True, he had been raised a cannibal but he never ate anyone during the course of the story.
History is neither a circle nor a straight line--it is, rather, a spiral, having a beginning and an end, but with a repeating pattern which is described for us in the historical and prophetic Scriptures. Indeed, the importance of the Torah is that it gives us the first iterations of that cycle, what Christian commentators sometimes refer to as "prophetic types."
If I remember right, it was Mark Twain who said, "History doesn't repeat--but it does rhyme."
Shalom!
The Antichrist will not be the pope. I’m Protestant and I can see that.
The Antichrist will come out of nowhere, and not many will see him for who he is. If you don’t think that can happen look at Barack Obama. I don’t think he’s the Antichrist but he sure has painted the picture as to how easily one could rise up.